KTLA wins L.A. Area Emmy

Station applauded for Michael Jackson coverage

Local Tribune-owned station KTLA has earned an Emmy for its coverage of the death of Michael Jackson.

KTLA’s coverage of Jackson’s untimely passing, which occurred almost a year ago on June 25, 2009, was one of several awards announced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as part of the L.A. Area Emmys. KTLA’s win was classified under the category titled live coverage of an unscheduled news event.

Another award winner already announced by the TV Academy was CBS2 for top news special for “Paul Magers Reports: Fort Irwin,” with Stacey Butler reporting.

Among the nominees, KNBC led all stations with 15 nods. Peacock O&O was followed by KTLA with 14 noms, while cabler Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket and PBS affiliate KCET were tied for third with 13 apiece.

Coverage of the two-time World Champion Los Angeles Lakers dominated the sports-specific nominations. Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket was nominated for sports series, live game coverage, sports feature and sports tease.

In the live special events programming category, Spanish-language KMEX will go up against KTLA for their respective coverages of the Rose Bowl Parade. In the same category, KCET was nominated for its telecast of the “50th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration.”

KABC traditionally has not entered the L.A. Area Emmys competition. But several of its reporters, producers, editors and anchors did submit entries on their own.

Winners will be announced July 31 in a ceremony at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre at the Academy headquarters in North Hollywood.